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Questions and Answers
What was the purpose of the Karneia festival?
What was the purpose of the Karneia festival?
How long did the Karneia festival last?
How long did the Karneia festival last?
Who was specifically involved in the race at the Karneia festival?
Who was specifically involved in the race at the Karneia festival?
What was the significance of the ram in the context of the Karneia?
What was the significance of the ram in the context of the Karneia?
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What was one of the featured competitions during the Karneia festival?
What was one of the featured competitions during the Karneia festival?
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Which city did Thucydides not visit?
Which city did Thucydides not visit?
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What position did Thucydides hold during the war?
What position did Thucydides hold during the war?
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Why might Thucydides have downplayed Sparta’s strengths?
Why might Thucydides have downplayed Sparta’s strengths?
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What was Thucydides' perspective on Eunomia?
What was Thucydides' perspective on Eunomia?
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What implication is suggested about Thucydides’ writings?
What implication is suggested about Thucydides’ writings?
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What material was primarily used in religious sculpture during this period?
What material was primarily used in religious sculpture during this period?
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Which of the following themes was NOT commonly depicted on Lakonian pottery?
Which of the following themes was NOT commonly depicted on Lakonian pottery?
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Where were over 200 ivory carvings discovered?
Where were over 200 ivory carvings discovered?
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What significant export product reflected the high quality of Spartan craftsmanship?
What significant export product reflected the high quality of Spartan craftsmanship?
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What is depicted on the Spartan ivory plaque showing a ship?
What is depicted on the Spartan ivory plaque showing a ship?
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What types of items were commonly found in graves and tombs made of bronze?
What types of items were commonly found in graves and tombs made of bronze?
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Which of the following was specifically described as a diplomatic gift?
Which of the following was specifically described as a diplomatic gift?
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What motif was depicted on the famous 'Judgement of Paris' comb found at the shrine of Artemis Orthia?
What motif was depicted on the famous 'Judgement of Paris' comb found at the shrine of Artemis Orthia?
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What does the evidence presented suggest about the story of the killings?
What does the evidence presented suggest about the story of the killings?
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What aspect of military life is highlighted in the context of the content?
What aspect of military life is highlighted in the context of the content?
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Which group is notably referenced concerning the interpretation of the evidence?
Which group is notably referenced concerning the interpretation of the evidence?
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What is implied about the significance of the establishment referenced in the content?
What is implied about the significance of the establishment referenced in the content?
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The reference to hunting in the context indicates what about military training?
The reference to hunting in the context indicates what about military training?
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What can be inferred about the story of the killings based on the content provided?
What can be inferred about the story of the killings based on the content provided?
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The content implies that the festivals mentioned are important because they underscore what?
The content implies that the festivals mentioned are important because they underscore what?
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How is the concept of 'endurance' reflected in the context of the evidence discussed?
How is the concept of 'endurance' reflected in the context of the evidence discussed?
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What aspect of Xenophon's perspective may lead to bias in his views?
What aspect of Xenophon's perspective may lead to bias in his views?
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Which philosopher was influenced by Plato and criticized the Spartan constitution?
Which philosopher was influenced by Plato and criticized the Spartan constitution?
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What historical circumstance may have led to Polybius' biased view of Greek power?
What historical circumstance may have led to Polybius' biased view of Greek power?
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How did Pausanias’ purpose in writing history differ from Thucydides’ approach?
How did Pausanias’ purpose in writing history differ from Thucydides’ approach?
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What critique did Aristotle have concerning Spartan society?
What critique did Aristotle have concerning Spartan society?
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Which type of bias is associated with Xenophon, Aristotle, and Polybius in their writings?
Which type of bias is associated with Xenophon, Aristotle, and Polybius in their writings?
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In what way did Aristotle’s views reflect his bias as an Athenian?
In what way did Aristotle’s views reflect his bias as an Athenian?
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What is a potential criticism of Pausanias’ historical accounts?
What is a potential criticism of Pausanias’ historical accounts?
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What major aspect did Polybius compare in his historical analysis?
What major aspect did Polybius compare in his historical analysis?
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What limitation does Aristotle point out regarding Spartan governance?
What limitation does Aristotle point out regarding Spartan governance?
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Study Notes
Karneia Festival
- The Karneia festival was held annually in Sparta, lasting for nine days in the month of August.
- This festival aimed to understand the will of the Gods.
- The most notable event was the "Catch the Runner" race, where unmarried men from each of the five Spartan tribes competed.
- The runner representing each tribe was considered the best.
- The festival involved sacrifices, musical contests, and a ritualistic race where a runner would try to catch a previously killed ram named Karnos.
- It was believed that the ram could see and foretell the future.
Spartan Art and Crafts
- Spartan art was mainly associated with religion.
- Limestone and marble were the primary materials for sculptures.
- Painted vases were significant export products.
- Lakonian pottery, made in Sparta, was highly valued and exported throughout Greece and the Mediterranean region.
- Ivory carvings from Sparta were also exported, showcasing the skill of Spartan craftsmen.
- The 'Spartan Ivory Plaque Showing a Ship', dated to the 7th century BC, depicts a warship departing or entering a port and indicates the significance of maritime activity.
- Bronze was widely used in Sparta to create a variety of objects, including brooches, pins, horse trappings, and mirrors, highlighting Spartan wealth.
- Striking miniature bronze figures representing Spartan soldiers further showcase their military prowess.
- The 'Pesaro hydria', a large bronze vessel depicting a helmeted hoplite, is another example of bronze craftsmanship.
Historical Sources on Sparta
- Thucydides, an Athenian general who fought against Sparta, might have portrayed Sparta in a negative light to downplay their victories.
- Xenophon, an Athenian admirer of Sparta, was possibly biased in his favor, lacking critical analysis.
- Aristotle, an Athenian philosopher, was critical of Spartan land ownership and the small group of elite citizens.
- He also criticized the Spartan system's reliance on helots (serfs) and the freedom granted to women.
- Polybius, a Greek historian who compared Rome's constitution with Greek city-states, may have minimized Greece's power.
- It's worth noting that Polybius was deported from Greece, which may have affected his views.
- Pausanias, a Greek writer who lived long after the events, aimed to attract travelers to Sparta by showcasing its historical sites and monuments.
- His descriptions of buildings and monuments provide a different perspective compared to Thucydides' writings.
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Description
Test your knowledge about the Karneia festival and Spartan art. Learn about the rituals, races, and the significance of different art forms in ancient Sparta. This quiz explores the cultural aspects that defined Spartan society.
